Communication, while the single most important
contributor to the success of any change, is the hardest part to get right.
Most people understand the mechanics of
communication but we can miss some of the foundational concepts that make
communication more successful.
Communication is bi-directional.
Even if we’re trying to “sell” an idea or a
project, it won’t be sold by a series of decrees made without opportunity for
interaction.
By listening, we develop relationships and refine
our understanding. We also build trust. Without trust there is no effective communication.
Communication is informal before it becomes formal.
Informal interactions are what make formal communication
effective.
People are more candid one-on-one and in smaller
groups and informal settings.
At minimum, strong influencers and those who are exceptionally
knowledgeable about organizational history, happenings, and politics should be
consulted about ideas before we communicate en masse.
But most important, informal communication is critical
to building relationships.
Communication effectiveness increases as relationships develop.
As we get to know people (and organizations), we
can revise our approach to account for how they process information.
Understanding our motivations, stress level, preconceived
ideas, and biases helps us construct messages more clearly. Learning the motivations and biases of those
around us enables us to evaluate their reactions more accurately.
Communication is continuous.
Even if a message has been communicated, refined, validated,
and communicated again, we’re not finished.
Circumstances and perceptions change. Busy people forget.
Communication is like a marriage.
Communication is most successful when each party
attempts to fully consider the viewpoints of the other.
Focusing solely on our own objectives risks misunderstanding,
resentment, and damaged relationships.
And even when those around us aren’t willing to
consider our views, we’re not absolved from considering theirs.
It all comes down to how committed we are to
making it work.
Hi Ann,
sorry for the German wording on my blog 🙂
You’re right: Betreff = subject
Mostly projects don’t fail because something went wrong but because of failed communication between people
Thanks, Armin!
Betreff = re = subject
😉
Hi Frank!
I think my favorite part of your post is “reliable relationships develop a richer common language and better mutual understanding” – how true!
Relationships take some time, though. Those involved in communication need to take care to start developing them early and continually foster their development.
This is one part of a project that’s often underestimated. People wonder, as an example, why am I devoting 100% of a project manager to a project that I thought would take 50%. I guarantee part of the “overage” was underestimating the communication and relationship building aspects of the role. And, the PM isn’t the only person that needs to build relationships – the whole team does to some extent.
Thanks for my first opportunity to comment on a German blog (of course, you wrote this post in English or I would have been totally clueless!!). I’m not sure I structured my comment correctly, though. What does “Betreff” mean?
Ann
Hi Steve!
I think that we sometimes get so caught up in the mechanics of a great communication plan that we forget we’re communicating with people!
Personally, the best and most productive meetings I’ve ever attended are the ones where I got to speak with all parties involved before hand. The meeting was then simply validation or minor refinement. Their real input was already reflected in the agenda/meeting materials.
When’s our next lunch????
Ann
Ann,
while I drafted a comment here I came to the conclusion to post my unstructured thoughts on my blog because they … got a little bit out of hand:
To be on the same page
and yes, I posted in English 🙂
Nice post, Ann,
The programmatic approach to Change includes lots of formal, scheduled “communication” sessions. My experience with these is that they are “telling” sessions and not usually conducive to building the kind of relationships needed to deepen commitment.
I really like your emphasis on the importance of informal communication leading to good relationships and ultimately lifted up by individual commitment.
Keep writing…